Travel Warnings Issued to American’s After Jalisco Cartel Violence Escalates

On February 22nd, the Mexican military, with assistance from the USA, killed a cartel crime boss named El Mencho in Jalisco, Mexico. Following his death, violence erupted in Mexico, shelters in place were issued, schools were closed, flights were canceled, and fires were started. With all that is happening just south of our border, are we going to be affected?

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El Mencho's Death

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, or more famously known as El Mencho, was killed during a shootout on Sunday, February 22nd, when the Mexican Military attempted to arrest him. Four deaths were reported during the initial operation, and multiple officers were injured. A couple of people were arrested, and El Mencho was fatally wounded, dying while being flown to Mexico City for treatment.

According to AzFamily, the Jalisco Cartel was one of the quickest-growing criminal operations in Mexico to date. El Mencho, a leader of this organization, was one of the most wanted people in Mexico and America. The Jalsico Cartel is infamous for its illegal trafficking of substances such as Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, leading to a long-awaited military raid. The White House confirmed on Sunday that it had supplied intelligence support for the Mexican Military during this operation.

Flights out of Sky Harbor are being canceled.

Since El Mencho's death, the Jalsico cartel has been blocking roadways, setting cars on fire, and rioting. Due to this, multiple flights from Sky Harbor to Puerto Vallarta have been canceled or delayed, according to CBS News.

The U.S. Dept. of State Consular Affairs made a social media post stating, " Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic & int’l flights canceled in both Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta." They also state in a security warning that all ride shares, and some businesses in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended. If you had plans to travel to central Mexico this month, it may be best to consider changing your visit to a later date due to limited transportation options and ongoing violence.

The US government released a Security Alert.

The USA released a security warning for it's citezens who are currently visiting these places in Mexico: "Aliso State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State."

This security alert is currently still active on February 23rd, and likely will continue to be active until the cartel's unrest dies down. The government advises US citizens in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas to-

• Avoid crowds
• Stay away from any law enforcement activity
• Listen to local authorities
• Seek shelter
• Keep aware of surroundings and updates
• Keep family updated via messages or social media.

While flights are canceled and citizens are stuck, as of now, Cochise County is not in any danger whatsoever. The Naco Border remains open, and the military presence remains thousands of miles away in central Mexico. Despite being safe here, citizens are advised to avoid travel to Mexico, especially to Jalisco and the surrounding areas.

CONTINUE READING: Cochise County Kids & Cartels on Social Media